Videoconferencing terminal with a persistence of vision display and a method of operation thereof to maintain eye contact

ABSTRACT

The disclosure provides apparatuses for videoconferencing and a method of operation thereof. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes: (1) a display substrate occupying less than an entirety of a viewing area, (2) an actuator configured to move the display substrate over the viewing area and (3) a camera having a field of view at least partially overlapping the viewing area and configured to capture a camera image through the viewing area.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED DISCLOSURE

This application is related to co-pending U.S. patent application Ser.No. 12/238,096, filed by Cristian A. Bolle on Sep. 25, 2008, entitled“Videoconferencing Terminal and Method of Operation Thereof to MaintainEye Contact” and to co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/472,250, filed by Cristian A. Bolle on May 26, 2009, entitled“Videoconferencing Terminal and Method of Operation Thereof to MaintainEye Contact.” Both applications are incorporated herein by reference intheir entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosure is directed, in general, to videoconferencing terminals.

BACKGROUND

This section introduces aspects that may be helpful in facilitating abetter understanding of the disclosure. Accordingly, the statements ofthis section are to be read in this light and are not to be understoodas admissions about what is in the prior art or what is not in the priorart.

Communication via computer networks frequently involves far more thantransmitting text. Computer networks, such as the Internet, can also beused for audio communication and visual communication. Still images andvideo are examples of visual data that may be transmitted over suchnetworks.

One or more cameras may be coupled to a personal computer (PC) toprovide visual communication. The camera or cameras can then be used totransmit real-time visual information, such as video, over a computernetwork. Dual transmission can be used to allow audio transmission withthe video information. Whether in one-to-one communication sessions orthrough videoconferencing with multiple participants, participants cancommunicate via audio and video in real time over a computer network(i.e., voice-video communication). Typically the visual imagestransmitted during voice-video communication sessions depend on theplacement of the camera or cameras.

SUMMARY

One aspect provides an apparatus. In one embodiment, the apparatusincludes: (1) a display substrate occupying less than an entirety of aviewing area, (2) an actuator configured to move the display substrateover the viewing area and (3) a camera having a field of view at leastpartially overlapping the viewing area and configured to capture acamera image through the viewing area.

In another aspect, a method of videoconferencing is disclosed. In oneembodiment, the method includes: (1) moving a display substrate over aviewing area, the display substrate occupying less than an entirety ofthe viewing area and (2) capturing a camera image through the viewingarea, the camera having a field of view at least partially overlappingthe viewing area.

In yet another aspect, another apparatus is provided. In one embodiment,this apparatus includes a first videoconferencing terminal connectableto support a videoconferencing session video with a secondvideoconferencing terminal via a telecommunications network, wherein thefirst terminal includes: (1) a display substrate occupying less than anentirety of a viewing area, (2) an actuator configured to move thedisplay substrate over the viewing area and (3) a camera having a fieldof view at least partially overlapping the viewing area and configuredto capture a camera image through the viewing area.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in conjunctionwith the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of avideoconferencing infrastructure within which a videoconferencingterminal constructed according to the principles of the disclosure mayoperate;

FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B are side elevation views of an embodiment of avideoconferencing terminal, e.g., of the videoconferencinginfrastructure of FIG. 1, constructed according to the principles of thedisclosure;

FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of another embodiment of avideoconferencing terminal constructed according to the principles ofthe disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of yet another embodiment of avideoconferencing terminal constructed according to the principles ofthe disclosure;

FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B are front elevation views of other embodiments of adisplay substrate constructed according to the principles of thedisclosure; and

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of one embodiment of a method ofvideoconferencing carried out according to the principles of thedisclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In a videoconferencing terminal, establishing eye contact between theparticipants greatly enhances the feeling of intimacy. Unfortunately,the display and camera in many conventional videoconferencing terminalsare not aligned. The resulting parallax prevents eye contact from beingestablished between participants of the videoconference.

Some videoconferencing terminals address the eye contact problem byusing a large, tilted two way mirror to superimpose the camera positionwith the center of the display. Regrettably, this approach is bulky,frustrating the modern trend toward flat displays. Othervideoconferencing terminals employ digital image-based rendering torecreate a central, eye contact view from multiple side views. Forexample, some videoconferencing terminals digitally shift the positionof the pupils in each video frame to give the impression of real eyecontact. One disadvantage of this approach is that it requires multiplecameras, significant image processing power and often yields unnaturalresults.

Disclosed herein are embodiments of an apparatus, such as avideoconferencing terminal, having a “persistence of vision” displaythat is used in combination with a camera located behind the display tosimultaneously show an image of a remote video conference participantand capture an image of a local video conference participant. Thedisclosed embodiments, therefore, provide videoconferencing terminalsthat allow eye contact between participants during a videoconference.The videoconferencing terminals can display an image by employing anarray of electronic light sources (e.g., red, green and bluelight-emitting diodes (LEDs)) spun at a speed large enough such that thehuman eye can not follow the motion and will see a continuous image. Ifthe electronic light sources are modulated in a synchronized way at evenhigher speed, an image can be displayed. For example, the electroniclight sources may be rotated at a speed for an image repetition of 60 Hzand modulated at a speed of 1 MHz. A camera can then be located behindthe electronic light sources that allows a video conference participantto establish eye contact by looking through the front of the terminal tothe camera instead of, for example, looking at a camera mounted on thetop or side of the terminal.

Disclosed herein, a display substrate is used to provide a persistenceof vision display. The shape or type of display substrate may vary andmay be based on the geometry of the viewing area of a particularvideoconferencing terminal. In one embodiment, the display substrateincludes a wheel with one or more vanes (or arms) extending from acenter. The wheel is configured to carry on the front of each arm anecessary array of electronic light sources to accurately display animage while the structure is rotated by an actuator (e.g., a motor thatmay be centrally mounted with respect to a viewing area). As indicatedabove, an image repetition rate of 60 Hz may be used with the imagerepetition rate needing to be greater than 30 Hz. For a single arm at 30Hz, the rotation speed of the arm translates to 1800 RPM. The rotationspeed can be reduced proportionally to the number of arms that may beused to provide the display. An image repetition rate greater than a 100Hz can be used to provide a higher quality display.

Any additional electronics needed to drive the electronic light sourcescan be advantageously mounted on the back of each arm and out of sightfrom a local participant. Power to drive the electronic light sourcesmay be transferred over the shaft of the motor by a set of brushes. Avideo signal can be transmitted over a set of brushes or transmittedwirelessly to the spinning wheel. A position detector can be used tosynchronize the rendered image with the wheel position.

The display substrate can provide images of a remotely locatedvideoconference participant while a camera (e.g., a video camera)mounted behind the spinning wheel captures images of a localvideoconference participant through the open areas in the spinningwheel. By having the camera located behind the display substrate andlooking therethrough, both videoconference participants can establisheye contact and enhance the feeling of intimacy in the communication. Toreduce spurious reflections or colors, substantial areas of the devicecan be painted or coated with light absorbing materials (black) or madeof transparent and non-reflecting materials.

In some embodiments, a human interface may also be employed with thevideo conferencing terminal. As such, video conference participantscould be able to draw on a screen or have a number of applicationsavailable that can be launched and shared with the other videoconferenceparticipant. Accordingly, an array of photodetectors may be included onthe arm that scans a substantially transparent substrate (e.g., a glasswindow) located in the front of the videoconferencing terminal. Thephotodetectors can see the changes in the glass as a finger touches it.It will also be able to detect multiple fingers touching the glass atthe same time. The detectors could be infrared detectors that would notbe affected by ambient or displayed light. Additional infrared lightsources may be located on the arm of the display substrate or the edgeof the glass to act as sources for the detectors.

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of one embodiment of avideoconferencing infrastructure 100 within which a videoconferencingterminal constructed according to the principles of the disclosure mayoperate. This embodiment of the videoconferencing infrastructure 100 iscentered about a telecommunications network 110 that is employed tointerconnect two or more videoconferencing terminals 120, 130, 140, 150,for communication of video signals or information, and perhaps alsoaudio signals or information, therebetween. An alternative embodiment ofthe videoconferencing infrastructure 100 is centered about a computernetwork, such as the Internet. Still another embodiment of thevideoconferencing infrastructure 100 involves a direct connectionbetween two videoconferencing terminals, e.g., connection of thevideoconferencing terminals 120, 130, via a plain old telephone (POTS)network. As represented in the videoconferencing terminal 120, thevideoconferencing terminals 120, 130, 140, 150, may include componentstypically included in a conventional videoconferencing terminal, suchas, a microphone, a speaker and a controller. The microphone can beconfigured to generate an audio signal based on acoustic energy receivedthereby, and the speaker can be configured to generate acoustic energybased on an audio signal received thereby.

FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B are side elevation views of an embodiment of avideoconferencing terminal 200, e.g., of the videoconferencinginfrastructure of FIG. 1, constructed according to the principles of thedisclosure. The videoconferencing terminal 200 is configured tosimultaneously capture a camera image and provide a display image. Thevideoconferencing terminal 200 includes a display substrate 210, anactuator 220 and a camera 230. Additionally, the videoconferencingterminal 200 may include additional components typically included in aconventional videoconferencing terminal. For example, thevideoconferencing terminal 200 may include a microphone, a speaker and acontroller that directs the operation of the videoconferencing terminal200. The microphone and speaker may be associated with the controller.In some embodiments, the videoconferencing terminal 200 may include asection that is partially evacuated volume in which the displaysubstrate 210 operates.

The display substrate 210 includes a substrate 212 having an array ofelectronic light sources 214 located thereon. The array 214 may be asingle column array as illustrated or may include multiple columns. Thearray of electronic light sources 214 is sized to provide a persistenceof vision display in a viewing area 240 when the display substrate 210is moved over the viewing area 240. As such, the number of rows of thearray of electronic light sources 214 may be equivalent or substantiallyequivalent to the radius (r) of the viewing area 240. The viewing area240 may coincide with a substantial transparent substrate that is placedin front of the videoconferencing terminal 200 (i.e., opposite side ofthe display substrate 210 from the camera 230). The display substrate210 occupies less than an entirety of the viewing area 240. Thus, thedisplay substrate 210 is smaller than the viewing area 240. Accordingly,persistence of vision is relied on to provide a display image for thevideoconferencing terminal 200.

The videoconferencing terminal 200 also includes electronic circuitry213 coupled to the array of electronic light sources 214. The electroniccircuitry 213 is configured to control the array of electronic lightsources 214 to form the display image. The electronic circuitry 213 maybe located on an opposing surface of the substrate 212 from the array ofelectronic light sources 214 as illustrated in FIG. 2A. As such, theelectronic circuitry 213 is not visible in the illustrated embodiment.

The electronic circuitry 213 is configured to direct the operation ofeach of the electronic light sources of the array 214. The electroniccircuitry 213 may be partially or totally incorporated in the substrate212. In other embodiments, the electronic circuitry 213 for theelectronic light sources 214 may be formed on a separate substrate fromthe substrate 212. The electronic circuitry 213 may include a matrix ofthin film transistors (TFT) with each TFT driving and/or controlling aparticular electronic light source of the array 214. The electroniccircuitry 213 may include components typically employed in aconventional array-type active backplane. In one embodiment, theelectronic circuitry 213 may operate similar to an active backplaneemployed in a conventional LED display. Power to drive the electroniclight sources 214 (and the electronic circuitry 213) may be transferredover a shaft of the actuator by a set of mechanical brushes.Additionally, power to drive the electronic circuitry 213, theelectronic light sources 214 or other electronics associated therewithcan also be transferred to the substrate 212 through magnetic induction.Also, the power transfer function can be shared or combined with theactuator function by reusing coils located on the display substrate 210or inside the actuator 220. A display signal representing the displayimage, such as a video signal, can also be transmitted over a set ofbrushes of the actuator 220 to the electronic circuitry 213. In someembodiments, the electronic circuitry 213 may include a wirelesstransceiver and the display signal may be transmitted wirelessly to thedisplay substrate 210 and the electronic circuitry 213 located thereon.

The electronic circuitry 213 may cooperate with a position detector 225to provide the display image. The position detector 225 is configured togenerate electrical signals indicating a position of the displaysubstrate 210 that the electronic circuitry may use to synchronize thedisplay image with the position of the display substrate 210. Theposition detector 225 may generate the electrical signals based on polaror Cartesian coordinates that represent the location of the displaysubstrate 210. The type of coordinates that are used may be based on thegeometry of the viewing area 240. The position detector 225 may beelectrically coupled to the actuator 220 and the display substrate 210.As illustrated, the position detector 225 may be mechanically coupled tothe actuator 220. One skilled in the art will understand the operationand configuration of the position detector 225 and that the location ofthe position detector 225 may vary in different embodiments. In oneembodiment, the position detector 225 may be a magnetic Hall sensor. Inanother embodiment, an optical detector, such as used on encoder wheels,may be used as a position detector.

The position detector 225 may be coupled to the electronic circuitry 213and configured to transmit the position signals thereto. The electroniccircuitry 213 may then employ the position signals to control the arrayof electronic light sources 214 to provide the display image in theviewing area 240. The electronic circuitry 213, therefore, may employthe position signals to synchronize the display signals to provide thedisplayed image.

The arrows emanating from the array of electronic light sources 214represent the displayed image that is provided within the viewing area240. The displayed image may be in color or in black and white. In oneembodiment, each electronic light source of the array 214 may representa single pixel that is displayed in the viewing area 240. In otherembodiments, multiple electronic light sources may represent a pixel. Insome embodiments, the array of electronic light sources 214 may be anarray of LEDs. In other embodiments, the LEDs may be organic LEDs(OLEDS). The array of electronic light sources 214 may be an array ofLEDs configured to transmit light of three different colors, such asred, blue and green. In an alternative embodiment, the array ofelectronic light sources 214 may be other light-emitting pixels that areused in other conventional terminals or later-developed technology. Forexample, liquid crystals may be used such as those used in a liquidcrystal display (LCD). Those skilled in the pertinent art understand thestructure and operation of conventional videoconferencing terminals andthe light-emitting pixels that are used to display images.

The actuator 220 is configured to move the display substrate 210 overthe viewing area 240. The actuator 220 may be a motor that rotates thedisplay substrate 210 over the viewing area 240. The actuator 220 isconfigured to move the display substrate 210 at a speed sufficient topresent a display image as persistent to a human eye. In someembodiments, the actuator 220 is configured to move the displaysubstrate 210 over the entirety of the viewing area 240. The viewingarea 240 is the area defined by the persistence of vision displaygenerated from moving the display substrate 210. An entirety of theviewing area 240 is the total area defined by the persistence of visiondisplay. For example, if a viewing area is circular, the entirety of theviewing area is the area within the circumference of the circle.

The camera 230 is configured to capture a camera image. The camera 230may be for color images or black and white images. The camera 230 may bea video camera. Though FIG. 2 only schematically represents the camera230, the camera 230 may take the form of an array-type charge-coupleddevice (CCD) solid-state camera equipped with a lens allowing it tocapture an image from a focal plane that is beyond the viewing area 240.Those skilled in the art will recognize that the camera 230 may be ofany conventional or later-developed camera. Those skilled in thepertinent art also understand the structure and operation of suchcameras, e.g., a conventional camera used in a videoconferencingterminal. The camera 230 may include circuitry and or software forprocessing of captured images. Accordingly, the camera 230 may beconfigured to perform post-processing of the captured images to increaseclarity.

The camera 230 has a field of view 250 that at least partially overlapsthe viewing area 240 and is configured to capture the camera imagethrough the viewing area 240. In some embodiments, the camera 230captures the camera image during a time when the actuator 220 moves thedisplay substrate 210 outside of the field of view 250. The camera 230can also capture a camera image while the field of view 250 is partiallyblocked. For example, in FIG. 2A, the field of view 250 is at leastpartially blocked by the display substrate 210 and the camera 230 wouldcapture a partially blocked camera image. In FIG. 2B, the displaysubstrate 210 has been moved out of the field of view 250 by theactuator 220. Accordingly, the camera 230 is able to capture the cameraimage without blockage from the display substrate 210. The camera imageincludes an object 260 that is on the front side of thevideoconferencing terminal 200, i.e., the side of the display substrate210 that is opposite the camera 230. In the illustrated embodiment, theobject 260 includes a face of a participant in a videoconference.However, the object 260 may be any object whatsoever. The arrowemanating from the object 260 represents light that is received by thecamera 230 within the field of view 250.

FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of another embodiment of avideoconferencing terminal 300 constructed according to the principlesof the disclosure. In FIG. 3, the videoconferencing terminal 300includes components of the videoconferencing terminal 200 as indicatedby the same element numbers. Additionally, the videoconferencingterminal 300 also includes a light-absorbing substrate 370. Thelight-absorbing substrate 370 is positioned between the displaysubstrate 210 and the camera 230 to reduce spurious reflections orcolors. The light-absorbing substrate 370 includes at least one opening372 that is positioned with respect to the camera 230 to allow the fieldof view 250 to pass therethrough. Accordingly, the light-absorbingsubstrate 210 is positioned to hide the actuator 230 and most of thecamera 230 from view via the frontside of the videoconferencing terminal300. As illustrated, the opening 372 is positioned with respect to thelens of the camera 230. In other embodiments, the light-absorbingsubstrate 370 may include multiple openings that correspond to multiplelenses of the camera 230.

The light-absorbing substrate 370 is constructed of a light-absorbingmaterial. In some embodiments, the light-absorbing substrate 370 may bea black substrate. In alternative embodiments, areas of thevideoconferencing terminal 300 that are not to be seen can be painted orcoated with a light absorbing material to reduce spurious reflections orcolors. In some embodiments, portions of the videoconferencing terminal300 that should not be visible, for example, the actuator 220, may beconstructed of transparent of non-reflecting materials.

FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of yet another embodiment of avideoconferencing terminal 400 constructed according to the principlesof the disclosure. In FIG. 4, the videoconferencing terminal 400includes components of the videoconferencing terminal 300 as indicatedby the same element numbers. Additionally, the videoconferencingterminal 400 also includes a substantially transparent substrate 480 andthe display substrate 210 includes an array of photodetectors 416configured to detect touching of the substantially transparent substrate480. The substantially transparent substrate 480 protects thevideoconferencing terminal 400 and the user, i.e., the object 260 inFIG. 4, during operation. The substantially transparent substrate 480,for example, may be glass. In other embodiments, the substantiallytransparent substrate 480 may be another substrate that is transparentto visible light or is transparent to one or more frequency segments ofthe visible light spectrum.

The array of photodetectors 416 can be used to scan the surface of thesubstantially transparent substrate 480. If a person touches thesubstantially transparent substrate 480, the array of photodetectors 416can identify the touching finger(s) position. The array ofphotodetectors 416 can scan the substantially transparent substrate 480when the display substrate is being moved by the actuator 220. The arrayof photodetectors 416 can be used as a human interface. The array ofphotodetectors 416 may include infrared or visible photodetectors. Insome embodiments, an infrared light source(s) 418 may also be placed onthe display substrate 210 or the edge of the substantially transparentsubstrate 480 to provide a light source for the array of photodetectors416. The electronic circuitry 213 may be configured to direct theoperation of the array of photodetectors 416.

FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B are front elevation views of other embodiments ofdisplay substrates constructed according to the principles of thedisclosure. FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate that other geometries for adisplay substrate are possible. Two such examples are provided in FIG.5A and FIG. 5B. Regardless of the geometries employed, the electroniclight sources of the display substrates are positioned to cover theviewing area, e.g., the entirety of the viewing area, when moved.

FIG. 5A illustrates a display substrate 510 having multiple arms. Eachof the multiple arms of the display substrate 510 may be moved by anactuator such as the actuator 220. As with the display substrate 210,the display substrate 510 may also be rotated by the actuator 220 toprovide a display image in a circular coverage area. As such, theindividual lights of the electronic light sources of the displaysubstrate 510 have concentric trajectories (indicated by dashed lines)that provide the display image over a circular coverage area.

FIG. 5B illustrates a display substrate 520 that is not designed to spinlike the display substrate 210 and 510, but is configured to move in acircular motion to cover a viewing area. The dashed lines in FIG. 5Brepresent the area covered by the array of electronic light sources ofthe display substrate 520. With this arrangement, the display substrate520 may be used to cover a rectangular viewing area.

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of one embodiment of a method 600 ofvideoconferencing carried out according to the principles of thedisclosure. An apparatus as described herein may be used in the method600. The method 600 begins in a step 605.

In a step 610, a display substrate is moved over a viewing area whereinthe display substrate occupies less than an entirety of the viewingarea. The display substrate includes an array of electronic lightsources located thereon. The display substrate may include multiplesubstrates having a column of electronic light sources. In someembodiments, the display substrate may be configured to cover a circularviewing area. In other embodiments, the display substrate may beconfigured to cover a rectangular viewing area. In some embodiments, thedisplay substrate is moved over the entirety of the viewing area. Anactuator may be used to move the display substrate through the viewingarea. In one embodiment, the actuator may be a motor that spins orrotates the display substrate.

Signals are provided in a step 620 to indicate a position of the displaysubstrate. Polar coordinates or Cartesian coordinates may be used toindicate a position of the display substrate. Based on the position ofthe display substrate, the position of each pixel represented by thearray of electronic light sources may also be determined since thelocation of each electronic light source of the array is known withrespect to the display substrate. A position detector may be used togenerate the position signals.

In a step 630, a camera image is captured through the viewing area. Afield of view of the camera at least partially overlaps the viewingarea. In some embodiments, the camera image may be captured through theviewing area during a time when the display substrate is outside of thefield of view of the camera.

The array of electronic light sources is controlled in a step 640employing electronic circuitry to form the display image. The electroniccircuitry and the array of electronic light sources may be located onopposing surfaces of the substrate of the display substrate. The method600 continues in a step 650 where touching of a transparent substrateassociated with the movable display substrate and the camera isdetected. An array of photodetectors may be used to detect when andwhere the transparent substrate is touched. Steps 640 and 650 may beperformed in parallel. The method 600 ends in a step 660.

Those skilled in the art to which the application relates willappreciate that other and further additions, deletions, substitutionsand modifications may be made to the described embodiments. Additionalembodiments may include other specific apparatus and/or methods. Thedescribed embodiments are to be considered in all respects as onlyillustrative and not restrictive. In particular, the scope of theinvention is indicated by the appended claims rather than by thedescription and figures herein. All changes that come within the meaningand range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within theirscope.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus, comprising: a display substrateoccupying less than an entirety of a viewing area; an actuatorconfigured to move said display substrate over said viewing area; and acamera having a field of view at least partially overlapping saidviewing area and configured to capture a camera image through saidviewing area.
 2. The apparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein saidactuator is configured to move said display substrate at a speedsufficient to present a display image as persistent to a human eye. 3.The apparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein said display substrateincludes an array of electronic light sources located thereon.
 4. Theapparatus as recited in claim 3 further comprising electronic circuitrycoupled to, and capable of controlling, said array of electronic lightsources to form said display image.
 5. The apparatus as recited in claim3 wherein said electronic light sources are light-emitting diodesconfigured to transmit light of three different colors.
 6. The apparatusas recited in claim 1 further comprising a light-absorbing substratepositioned between said display substrate and said camera and having atleast one opening, said field of view passing through said opening. 7.The apparatus as recited in claim 1 further comprising a positiondetector configured to provide signals indicating a position of saiddisplay substrate.
 8. The apparatus as recited in claim 1 furthercomprising a transparent substrate, wherein said display substrateincludes an array of photodetectors configured to detect touching ofsaid transparent substrate.
 9. A method of videoconferencing,comprising: moving a display substrate over a viewing area, said displaysubstrate occupying less than an entirety of said viewing area; andcapturing a camera image through said viewing area, said camera having afield of view at least partially overlapping said viewing area.
 10. Themethod as recited in claim 9 wherein said moving occurs at a speedsufficient to present a display image as persistent to a human eye. 11.The method as recited in claim 9 wherein said display substrate includesan array of electronic light sources located thereon.
 12. The method asrecited in claim 11 further comprising controlling said array ofelectronic light sources, employing electronic circuitry, to form saiddisplay image.
 13. The method as recited in claim 11 wherein saidelectronic light sources are light-emitting diodes configured totransmit light of three different colors.
 14. The method as recited inclaim 9 further comprising reducing reflections of light associated withsaid capturing.
 15. The method as recited in claim 9 further comprisingproviding signals indicating a position of said display substrate. 16.The method as recited in claim 9 further comprising detecting touchingof a transparent substrate associated with said movable display and saidcamera.
 17. An apparatus, comprising: a first videoconferencing terminalconnectable to support a videoconferencing session video with a secondvideoconferencing terminal via a telecommunications network, whereinsaid first terminal includes: a display substrate occupying less than anentirety of a viewing area; an actuator configured to move said displaysubstrate over said viewing area; and a camera having a field of view atleast partially overlapping said viewing area and configured to capturea camera image through said viewing area.
 18. The apparatus as recitedin claim 17 wherein said first terminal further comprises alight-absorbing substrate positioned between said display substrate andsaid camera and having at least one opening, said field of view passingthrough said opening.
 19. The apparatus as recited in claim 17 whereinsaid first terminal further comprises a position detector configured toprovide signals indicating a position of said display substrate.
 20. Theapparatus as recited in claim 17 wherein said first terminal furthercomprises a transparent substrate, wherein said display substrateincludes an array of photodetectors configured to detect touching ofsaid transparent substrate.